Pharmaceutical compositions of antithrombin III for the treatment of retroviral diseases

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical compositions comprised of high molecular weight ATIII are discloses, as is the use thereof in treating infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders and diseases or conditions that are mediated by thrombin activation.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Retroviral Diseases

[0002] The human retrovirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), an incurable disease in which the body's immune system breaks down leaving the victim vulnerable to opportunistic infections, e.g., pneumonia, and certain cancers, e.g., Karposis Sarcoma. AIDS is a global health problem. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that there are now over 34 million people living with HIV or AIDS worldwide. Some 28.1 million of those infected individuals reside in impoverished sub-Saharan Africa. In the United States, one out of every 250 people are infected with HIV or have AIDS. Since the beginning of the epidemic, AIDS has killed nearly 19 million people worldwide, including an estimated 425,000 Americans. AIDS has replaced malaria and tuberculosis as the world's deadliest infectious disease among adults and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

[0003] There is still no cure for AIDS. There are, however, a variety of antiretroviral drugs that prevent HIV from reproducing and ravaging the body's immune system. One such class of drugs are the reverse transcriptase inhibitors which attack an HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase. Another class of drugs is the protease inhibitors which inhibit HIV enzyme protease. First introduced in 1995, these protease inhibitors are now widely used for the treatment of HIV infection alone or in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Today, approximately 215,000 of the estimated 350,000 patients receiving treatment for HIV infection in the United States are treated with at least one drug from the protease inhibitor class of drugs.

[0004] Highly active antiretroviral drug therapy (HAART) is a widely used anti-HIV therapy that entails triple-drug protease inhibitor-containing regimens that can completely suppress viral replication (Stephenson, JAMA, 277: 614-6 (1997)). The persistence of latent HIV in the body, however, has been underestimated. It is now recognized that there exists a reservoir of HIV in perhaps tens of thousands to a million long-lived resting “memory” T lymphocytes (CD4), in which the HIV genome is integrated into the cells own DNA (Stephenson, JAMA, 279: 641-2 (1998)). This pool of latently infected cells is likely established during primary infection.

[0005] Such combination therapy is often only partially effective, and it is unknown how much viral suppression is required to achieve durable virologic, immunologic, and clinical benefit (Deeks, JAMA, 286: 224-6 (2001)). Anti-HIV drugs are highly toxic and can cause serious side effects, including heart damage, kidney failure, and osteoporosis. Long-term use of protease inhibitors has been linked to peripheral wasting accompanied by abnormal deposits of body fat. Other manifestations of metabolic disruptions associated with protease inhibitors include increased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, pancreatitis, atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance (Carr et al., Lancet, 351: 1881-3 (1998)). The efficacy of current anti-HIV therapy is further limited by the complexity of regimens, pill burden, and drug-drug interactions. Compliance with the toxic effects of antiretroviral drugs make a lifetime of combination therapy a difficult prospect and many patients cannot tolerate long-term treatment with HAART. There is an urgent need for other antiviral therapies due to poor adherence to combination therapy regimes, which has led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of HIV. Other drugs may improve compliance by substantially reducing the daily “pill burden” and simplifying the complicated dietary guidelines associated with the use of current protease inhibitors.

[0006] The HIV virus enters the body of an infected individual and lives and replicates primarily in the white blood cells. The hallmark of HIV infection, therefore, is a decrease in cells called T-helper or CD4 cells of the immune system. The molecular mechanism of HIV entry into cells involves specific interactions between the viral envelope glycoproteins (env) and two target cell proteins, CD4 and a chemokine receptor. HIV cell tropism is determined by the specificity of the env for a particular chemokine receptor (Steinberger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 97: 805-10 (2000)). T-cell-line-tropic (T-tropic) viruses (X4 viruses) require the chemokine receptor CXR4 for entry. Macrophage (M)-tropic viruses (R5 viruses) use CCR5 for entry (Berger et al., Nature, 391: 240 (1998)). T-tropism is linked to various aspects of AIDS, including AIDS dementia, and may be important in disseminating the virus throughout the body and serving as a reservoir of virus in the body.

[0007] Furthermore, about 40% of patients with HIV are co-infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Super-infection also occurs when patients with one type of viral hepatitis become infected with a different type of hepatitis virus at a later stage. Under these conditions, the clinical symptoms and disease courses are usually more complex and serious than that of a single viral infection occurrence. Additionally, hepatic injury is a major concern as a result of antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and has been shown to occur with all classes of antiretroviral therapy. Prior studies have indicated that HCV or HBV infection may increase the likelihood of HAART-related hepatotoxicity. Therefore it is necessary to formulate a safer treatment for HIV, HAV, HBV and HCV infections.

[0008] About 200,000 Americans and 10 million people worldwide contract Hepatitis A annually. Hepatitis B is the 9th leading cause of death worldwide and there are more than 300. million chronic HBV carriers worldwide. It affects 15-20% of the population in Asia. In United State it affects only 0.1% or 1.2 million people. Hepatitis B is transmitted by human body fluids such as blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, breast milk, tears, saliva, and open sores. Its methods of transmission include mother to baby, during sexual contact, deep kissing, and through the use of improper injection techniques. HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV. What is of an increasing concern is that people who are already chronically infected with hepatitis B or C face a higher risk of dying if they additionally contract hepatitis A. Infection with one hepatitis virus type offers no immunity from infection by another.

[0009] HBV is preventable with a vaccine. Nonetheless, more than two billion individuals today have been infected at some time in their lives with HBV, and approximately 350 million are chronically infected carriers of this virus. HBV is one of the most common human pathogens, and it is the most prevalent chronic virus infection worldwide. An estimated 140,000 Americans are infected each year with hepatitis B. Approximately one to one and a quarter million Americans are chronically infected and are considered to be carriers of the hepatitis B virus. Carriers of HBV are at high risk of serious illness and death from cirrhosis of the liver and primary liver cancer, diseases that kill more than one million carriers per year. In addition, these carriers constitute a reservoir of infected individuals who perpetuate the infection from generation to generation. A carrier is infectious and can transmit hepatitis B even though he/she has no signs or symptoms.

[0010] In addition, as of September 2000, it is estimated that 5 million Americans (some estimates go as high as 15 million) are infected with hepatitis C; and up to 230,000 new hepatitis C infections occur in the U.S. every year. About 8,000 to 10,000 Americans die of HCV annually, and the toll is expected to triple in the next decade or two. It is estimated that there are over 200 million people in the world chronically infected with hepatitis C, and this large reservoir of infected persons constitutes a daunting source of potential new infections. HCV infection is the most common type of chronic viral hepatitis in the developed world. People who are already infected with HCV can get re-infected with different sub-strains of HCV. Over the next 10-20 years, chronic hepatitis B and C will become a major burden on the health care systems as patients who are currently asymptomatic with relatively mild disease symptons progress to end-stage liver disease.

[0011] Another single-stranded RNA virus is the coronavirus, a genus in the family Coronavirirdae. These large, enveloped, plus-stranded RNA viruses (27-31 kb) are prevalent pathogens of humans and domestic animals. Coronaviruses have the largest genome of all RNA viruses and replicate by a unique mechanism which results in a high frequency of recombination. The newly found Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) causing virus is a member of this family. It emerged in November 2002 and as of April 2003, 3,293 people in 22 countries have become ill from the infection and hundreds more have died.

[0012] There is clearly an need for new antiretroviral agents.

[0013] Antithrombin III (ATIII) Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) constitute a superfamily of structurally related proteins found in eukaryotes, including humans (Wright, BIOASSAY, 18: 453-64 (1996); Skinner et al., J. Mol. Biol. 283: 9-14 (1998); Huntington et al., J. Mol. Biol. 293: 449-55 (1999)). Included in this class is ATIII, protein C-inhibitor, activated protein C, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and alpha-1 antitrypsin.

[0014] ATIII is a glycoprotein present in blood plasma with a well-defined role in blood clotting. Specifically ATIII is a potent inhibitor of the reactions of the coagulation cascade with an apparent molecular weight of between 54 k Da and 65 kDa (Rosenberg and Damus, J. Biol. Chem. 248: 6490-505 (1973); Nordenman et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 78: 195-204 (1977); Kurachi et al., Biochemistry 15: 373-7 (1976)) of which some ten percent is contributed by four glucosamine-base carbohydrate chains (Kurachi et al., Biochemistry 15: 373-7 (1976); Petersen et al., in The Physiological Inhibitors of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis (Collen et al., eds) Elsevier, Amsterdam, p. 48 (1979)). Although the name, ATIII, implies that it works only on thrombin, it actually serves to inhibit virtually all of the coagulation enzymes to at least some extent. The primary enzymes it inhibits are factor Xa, factor IXa, and thrombin (factor IIa). It also has inhibitory actions on factor XIIa, factor Xia and the complex of factor VIIa and tissue factor but not factor VIIa and activated protein C. ATIII also inhibits trypsin, plasmin and kallikrein (Charlotte and Church, Seminars in Hematology 28:3-9 (1995). Its ability to limit coagulation through multiple interactions makes it one of the primary natural anticoagulant proteins.

[0015] ATIII acts as a relatively inefficient inhibitor on its own. However, ATIII can be activated by a simple template mechanism, or by an allosteric conformational change brought about by heparin binding (Skinner et al., J. Mol. Biol. 283: 9-14 (1998); Huntington et al., J. Mol. Biol., 293: 449-55 (1999); Belar et al., J. Mol. Biol. Chem., 275: 8733-41 (2000)). When ATIII binds heparin, the speed with which the reaction that causes inhibition occurs is greatly accelerated. This interaction is the basis of heparin based anticoagulation therapies.

[0016] U.S. Published patent application 20020127698, entitled Serpin Drugs for Treatment of HIV Infection and Method of Use Thereof, describes methods of inhibiting the infectivity of HIV with serpins, such as antithrombin III (ATIII). The patent application teaches use of ATIII in the relaxed (R), stressed (S), modified (M) or prelatent form. Modified ATIII is described as having been treated with elastase, other proteases, chemical treatment or enzymatic digestion.

[0017] International Patent Application WO 00/52034, entitled Inhibitors of Serine Protease Activity, Methods and Compositions for Treatment for Viral Infection and U.S. Pat. No. 5,532,215 also generally teach the use of serpins, including ATIII, as anti-HIV agents.

[0018] International Patent Application WO 02/22150, entitled Medicament Containing Activated Antithrombin III, teaches that it is possible to produce activated ATIII (termed “Immune Defense Activated ATIII” or “IDAAT”) in vitro through oxidation, treatment with urea and guanidine hydrochloride, proteolytic digestion, heating to 60° C., decreasing the pH to 4.0 or addition of an ATIII peptide with a sequence SEAAAS. IDAAT is reported to be a polymer of ATIII that can be used against HIV, parasites like Plasmodium falciparum and Pneumocystis carinii and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

[0019] Although ATIII and other serpins have been suggested to have anti-HIV activity, the results of studies disclosed herein indicate that pure plasma derived or recombinant ATIII are inactive in lowering HIV viral loads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is based on the surprising finding that ATIII, that has been treated to have a higher molecular weight, effectively reduces HIV viral loads in infected cells. Based on this finding, the invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a high molecular weight antithrombin III (ATIII) in an amount effective to treat a retroviral infection.

[0021] Preferred high molecular weight ATIII molecules weigh over 60 kD and are preferably in the range of about 60 kilodaltons (kD) to about 550 kD. Particularly preferred high molecular weight ATIIIs have been heat treated and/or associated with an oligosugar. Preferred oligosugars include monosaccharides, polysaccharides, heparin (low or high molecular weight and unfractionated), pectin and amino glycosides. In other preferred embodiments, the oligosugar is itself derivatized with a small molecule, for example biotin. Particularly preferred pharmaceutical preparations of high molecular weight ATIII are prepared as controlled release formulations.

[0022] In another aspect, the invention features methods of treating infection and/or inflammation based on administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. In preferred embodiments, the infection is caused by a bacteria or virus. In particularly preferred embodiments, the virus is a retrovirus. Particularly preferred retroviruses are selected from the group consisting of: HIV, HAV, HBV, HCV, CMV and SARS.

[0023] Because high molecular weight ATIII appears to work via mechanisms distinct from existing antiviral therapeutics, pharmaceutical compositions of high molecular weight ATIII may be administered in combination with other anti-viral drugs. Preferred anti-virals include reverse transcriptase inhibitors, including cocktails, such as highly active antiretroviral drug therapy (HAART) regimen (zidovudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, stavudine, lamivudine, abacavir, tenofovir, nevirapine, efavirenz, delavirdine) and protease inhibitors (saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, lopinavir), adenine arabinoside, adenine arabinoside 5′-monophosphate, acyclovir, ganciclovir, famciclovir, lamivudine, clevudine, afedovir dipivoxil, entecavir, IFN-α-2b, IFN-α-2a, lymphoblastoid IFN, consensus-IFN, IFN-β, IFN-γ, pegylated IFN-α-2a, corticosteroids, or thymosin a1, IL-2, IL-12, ribavirin, cyclosporin or granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the invention features methods of treating a subject for a disease which is caused or contributed to by thrombin activation, by administering to the subject a high molecular weight ATIII of the invention. Diseases which are caused by or contributed to by thrombin activation include sepsis, trauma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, thrombosis, stroke, restenosis, reocclusion and restenosis in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; thrombosis associated with surgery, ischemia/reperfusion injury; coagulation abnormalities in cancer or surgical patients, an antithrombin III deficiency, venous and arterial thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, microangiopathic hemolytic anemias and veno-occlusive disease (VOD).

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 shows the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of human antithrombin III (hATIII) (Seq. Id. nos. 1 and 2).

[0027]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of antithrombin III illustrating exemplary positions of residues that are involved in heparin interactions and thrombin inhibition (Pratt et al., Seminars in Hematology. 28:3-9 (1991)).

[0028]FIG. 3 is a schematic of the crystal structure of ATIII showing heparin binding sites (Skinner et al., J. Mol. Biol. 266:601-609 (1997)).

[0029]FIG. 4 (a)-(d) are a series of graphs showing inhibition of HIV-1 with various super ATIIIs as measured by the HIV-1 p24 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (a) Form 1 is treated @60° C. for 24 hours; (b) Form 2 is Form 1 modified with low molecular weight heparin. (c) Form 3 is low molecular weight heparin modified ATIII. (d) Form 4 is Form 3 treated @60° C. for 24 hours.

[0030]FIG. 5(a) is a graph showing inhibition of HIV-1 as measured by the HIV-1 p24 ELISA by modified recombinant ATIII prepared by Genzyme Transgenic Corporation Biotherapeutics (GTCB) Biotherapeutics.

[0031]FIG. 5(b) shows inhibition of HIV-1 as measured by the HIV-1 ELISA for ATIIIs prepared by Calbiochem, Sigma, Roche, Form 3 and GTCB.

[0032]FIG. 6 (a-g) are High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms of variously treated GTCB-ATIII by ultraviolet (UV) or refractive index (RI) detection. (a) GTC-ATIII (UV analysis); (b) GTC-ATIII (RI analysis); (c) GTC-ATIII heparin treated (UV analysis); (d) GTC-ATIII heparin treated (RI analysis); (e) GTC-ATIII heparin+heat treated (UV analysis); (f) GTC-ATIII heparin+heat treated (RI analysis); (g) GTC-ATIII heparin+heat treated (UV+RI analysis).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 1. General

[0034] The invention is based, at least in part, on the surprising finding that antithrombin III (ATIII) that has been treated to increase its molecular weight (high molecular weight ATIII) effectively reduces the viral load in HIV infected cells. Although the mechanism of action of high molecular weight ATIII is not precisely known, it is thought to act as a fusion inhibitor and/or an intracellular inhibitor or to somehow be involved in signal transduction.

[0035] 2. High Molecular Weight ATIII

[0036] ATIII

[0037] The invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprised of high molecular weight ATIII and the use thereof in treating viral diseases. ATIII can be obtained, for example, from fraction IV-1 or IV, or supernatant I or II+III obtained by Cohn's fractionation of blood plasma (Lebing W R et al., Vox Sang. 67:117-24 (1994), Hoffman D L, Am. J. Med. 87: 23S-26S (1989), Wickerhauser M. et al, Vox Sang 36: 281-93 (1979) . ATIII is also commercially available (Aventis, Genzyme Transgenic Corporation Biotherapeutics, Baxter Healthcare, Calbiochem, Bayer and Sigma).

[0038] Alternatively, recombinant ATIII can be prepared, for example, using E. coli, cell culture (EP-339919), genetic engineering (EP-90505), transgenic animals (Larrik and Thomas, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 12:41111-8 (2001), Edmunds et al., Blood 12:4561-71 (1998), U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,441,145 and 5,843,705) and the like.

[0039] Table 1 presents nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of ATIII from various organisms, including variant nucleotide sequences, i.e. sequences that differ by one or more nucleotide substitution, addition or deletion, such as allelic variants. ATIII from mammalian species as well as variants thereof can be used to generate the high molecular weight ATIIIs of the present invention. TABLE 1 SEQ ID NOs of Antithrombin IIIs as described herein GenRank Sequence SEQ ID NO Accession Human ATIII, nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: NM_000488 Human ATIII, amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: NP_000479 Human ATIII variant, nucleotide SEQ ID NO: D29832.1 sequence Human ATIII variant, amino acid SEQ ID NO: BAA06212 sequence Human ATIII variant, nucleotide SEQ ID NO: BC022309.1 sequence Human ATIII variant, amino acid SEQ ID NO: AAH22309.1 sequence Human ATIII variant, nucleotide SEQ ID NO: AB083707 sequence Human ATIII variant, amino acid SEQ ID NO: BAC21176.1 sequence Ovis aries ATIII nucleotide SEQ. ID. NO X68287 sequence Ovis aries ATIII amino acid SEQ. ID. NO CAA48347.1 sequence Mus musculus ATIII nucleotide SEQ. ID. NO S47225 sequence Mus musculus ATIII amino acid SEQ. ID. NO AAB23965 sequence Sus scrofa domestica ATIII nucleotide SEQ. ID. NO AF281653 sequence Sus scrofa domestica ATIII amino acid SEQ. ID. NO JX0364 sequence Rattus norvegicus ATIII nucleotide SEQ. ID. NO XM_222802 sequence Rattus norvegicus ATIII amino acid SEQ. ID. NO XP_222802 sequence Gallus gallus ATIII nucleotide SEQ. ID. NO S79838 sequence Gallus gallus ATIII amino acid SEQ. ID. NO AAB35653.1 sequence Xenopus laevis ATIII nucleotide SEQ. ID. NO AF411693.1 sequence Xenopus laevis ATIII amino acid SEQ. ID. NO AAL60467.1 sequence Bos taurus ATIII, amino acid SEQ ID NO: P41361 sequence

[0040] One skilled in the art will appreciate that variations in one or more nucleotides (up to about 3-5% of the nucleotides) of the nucleic acids encoding a particular protein may exist among individuals of a given species due to natural allelic variation. Any and all such nucleotide variations and the encoded polypeptides can be used to prepare the super ATIIIs of the invention. For instance, it is reasonable to expect, for example, that an isolated replacement of a leucine with an isoleucine or valine, an aspartate with a glutamate, a threonine with a serine, or a similar replacement of an amino acid with a structurally related amino acid (i.e. conservative mutations) will not have a major effect on the biological activity of the resulting molecule. Conservative replacements are those that take place within a family of amino acids that are related in their side chains. Genetically encoded amino acids are can be divided into four families: (1) acidic=aspartate, glutamate; (2) basic=lysine, arginine, histidine; (3) nonpolar=alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan; and (4) uncharged polar=glycine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, scrine, threonine, tyrosine. Phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine are sometimes classified jointly as aromatic amino acids. In similar fashion, the amino acid repertoire can be grouped as (1) acidic=aspartate, glutamate; (2) basic=lysine, arginine histidine, (3) aliphatic=glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, with serine and threonine optionally be grouped separately as aliphatic-hydroxyl; (4) aromatic=phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan; (5) amide=asparagine, glutamine; and (6) sulfur-containing=cysteine and methionine. (see, for example, Biochemistry, 2nd ed., Ed. by L. Stryer, W.H. Freeman and Co., 1981).

[0041] This invention further contemplates a method of generating sets of combinatorial mutants of the subject ATIII, as well as truncation mutants, and is especially useful for identifying potential variant sequences (e.g. homologs) that are functional in inhibition of viral infections. The purpose of screening such combinatorial libraries is to generate, for example, ATIII homologs with selective potency. In a representative embodiment of this method, the amino acid sequences for a population of ATIII homologs are aligned, preferably to promote the highest homology possible. Such a population of variants can include, for example, homologs from one or more species, or homologs from the same species but which differ due to mutation. Amino acids which appear at each position of the aligned sequences are selected to create a degenerate set of combinatorial sequences. In a preferred embodiment, the combinatorial library is produced by way of a degenerate library of genes encoding a library of polypeptides which each include at least a portion of potential ATIII sequences. For instance, a mixture of synthetic oligonucleotides can be enzymatically ligated into gene sequences such that the degenerate set of potential ATIII nucleotide sequences are expressible as individual polypeptides, or alternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g. for phage display). There are many ways by which the library of potential homologs can be generated from a degenerate oligonucleotide sequence. Chemical synthesis of a degenerate gene sequence can be carried out in an automatic DNA synthesizer, and the synthetic genes then be ligated into an appropriate gene for expression. The purpose of a degenerate set of genes is to provide, in one mixture, all of the sequences encoding the desired set of potential ATIII sequences. The synthesis of degenerate oligonucleotides is well known in the art (see for example, Narang, S A (1983) Tetrahedron 39:3; Itakura et al., (1981) Recombinant DNA, Proc. 3rd Cleveland Sympos. Macromolecules, ed. A G Walton, Amsterdam: Elsevier pp273-289; Itakura et al., (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53:323; Itakura et al., (1984) Science 198:1056; Ike et al., (1983) Nucleic Acid Res. 11:477). Such techniques have been employed in the directed evolution of other proteins (see, for example, Scott et al., (1990) Science 249:386-390; Roberts et al., (1992) PNAS USA 89:2429-2433; Devlin et al., (1990) Science 249: 404-406; Cwirla et al., (1990) PNAS USA 87: 6378-6382; as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,223,409, 5,198,346, and 5,096,815).

[0042] Alternatively, other forms of mutagenesis can be utilized to generate a combinatorial library. For example, ATIII homologs can be generated and isolated from a library by screening using, for example, alanine scanning mutagenesis and the like (Ruf et al., (1994) Biochemistry 33:1565-1572; Wang et al., (1994) J Biol. Chem. 269:3095-3099; Balint et al., (1993) Gene 137:109-118; Grodberg et al., (1993) Eur. J Biochem. 218:597-601; Nagashima et al., (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268:2888-2892; Lowman et al., (1991) Biochemistry 30:10832-10838; and Cunningham et al., (1989) Science 244:1081-1085), by linker scanning mutagenesis (Gustin et al., (1993) Virology 193:653-660; Brown et al., (1992) Mol. Cell Biol. 12:2644-2652; McKnight et al., (1982) Science 232:316); by saturation mutagenesis (Meyers et al., (1986) Science 232:613); by PCR mutagenesis (Leung et al., (1989) Method Cell Mol Biol 1:11-19); or by random mutagenesis, including chemical mutagenesis, etc. (Miller et al., (1992) A Short Course in Bacterial Genetics, CSHL Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; and Greener et al., (1994) Strategies in Mol Biol 7:32-34). Linker scanning mutagenesis, particularly in a combinatorial setting, is an attractive method for identifying truncated (bioactive) forms of ATIIIs.

[0043] ATIIIs reduced to generate mimetics, e.g. peptide or non-peptide agents, which are able to mimic the anti-viral activity of modified ATIII, can also be used to generate the super ATIIIs of the invention. To illustrate, the critical residues of the subject ATIII which are involved in anti-viral activity can be determined and used to generate ATIII-derived peptidomimetics which act to inhibit viral infections. By employing, for example, scanning mutagenesis to map the amino acid residues of the subject ATIII which are involved in viral inhibition, peptidomimetic compounds can be generated which mimic those residues involved in viral inhibition. For instance, non-hydrolyzable peptide analogs of such residues can be generated using benzodiazepine (e.g., see Freidinger et al., in Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, G. R. Marshall ed., ESCOM Publisher: Leiden, Netherlands, 1988), azepine (e.g., see Huffman et al., in Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, G. R. Marshall ed., ESCOM Publisher: Leiden, Netherlands, 1988), substituted gamma lactam rings (Garvey et al., in Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, G. R. Marshall ed., ESCOM Publisher: Leiden, Netherlands, 1988), keto-methylene pseudopeptides (Ewenson et al., (1986) J Med. Chem. 29:295; and Ewenson et al., in Peptides: Structure and Function (Proceedings of the 9th American Peptide Symposium) Pierce Chemical Co. Rockland, IL, 1985), b-turn dipeptide cores (Nagai et al., (1985) Tetrahedron Lett 26:647; and Sato et al., (1986) J Chem Soc Perkin Trans 1:1231), and b-aminoalcohols (Gordon et al., (1985) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 126:419; and Dann et al., (1986) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 134:71).

[0044] ATIII may be substantially purified by a variety of methods that are well known to those skilled in the art. Substantially pure protein may be obtained by following known procedures for protein purification, wherein an immunological, chromatographic, enzymatic or other assay is used to monitor purification at each stage in the procedure. Protein purification methods are well known in the art, and are described, for example in Deutscher et al., Guide to Protein Purification, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, San Diego (1990). ATIII can also be purified by a method described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,061 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,589.

[0045] As used herein, the term “substantially purified,” refers to ATIII that has been separated from components which naturally accompany it. Preferably the ATIII is at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably at least about 99% of the total material (by volume, by wet or dry weight, or by mole percent or mole fraction) in a sample. Purity can be measured by any appropriate method, e.g., in the case of polypeptides by column chromatography, gel electrophoresis or HPLC analysis.

[0046] High Molecular Weight ATIII

[0047] As shown herein, administration to a subject of ATIII that has been treated in a manner that results in an increased molecular weight reduces the viral load in viral infected cells. Particularly preferred high molecular weight ATIII molecules reduce the viral load by at least 1.5 log, more preferably at least 2, 3, 4 or 5 logs better than native ATIII.

[0048] Preferred high molecular weight ATIII molecules or molecular combinations weigh in the range of about 60 kD to about 550 kD (native ATIII is 58 kD). Particularly preferred high molecular weight ATIIIs weigh in the range of at least about 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, 100-110, 110-120, 130-140, 140-150, 150-160, 160-170, 170-180, 180-190, 190-200, 200-210, 210-220, 220-230, 230-240, 240-250, 250-260, 260-270, 270-280, 280-290, 290-300, 300-310, 310-320, 320-330, 330-340, 340-350, 350-360, 360-370, 370-380, 380-390, 390-400, 400-410, 410-420, 420-430, 430-440, 440-450, 450-460, 460-470, 470-480, 480-490, 490-500, 500-510, 510-520, 520-530, 530-540 or 540-550.

[0049] A high molecular weight ATIII can be prepared, for example, as shown in Example 1, by heat treatment and association with an oligosugar, such as heparin. Heat treatment may include heating at 60° C. or more for at least about 30 minutes, more preferably for a number of hours. Preparation of heat treated ATIII is described in Larsson et al., J Biol. Chem. 276:11996-12002 (2001).

[0050] “Oligosugar” as used herein refers to monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides (including penta-, hepta- and hexa-saccharides), sugar alcohols, and amino sugars. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, and inositol. Examples of disaccharides include saccharose, lactose, maltose, pectin. Examples of sugar alcohols include mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Examples of amino sugars include glucosamine, galactosamine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and N-acetyl galactosamine, which are the building blocks that can form more complex oligosugars, such as aminoglycosides and heparin. Preferred oligosugars are heparin (low molecular weight (2-4 kDa) and high molecular weight (at least 12 kDa), pectin, pentasaccharides and aminoglycosides. Preferred oligosugars have an affinity for ATIII. For example, heparin is known to interact with ATIII at certain sites, including His-1, Ile-7, Arg 24, Pro-41, Asn-45, Arg-47, Trp-49, His-65, Lys-107, Ser-112, Lys-114, Phe-121, Phe-122, Lys-125, Arg-129, Asn-135, Lys -136, Glu 414 amino acids of ATIII (Pratt et al., Seminars in Hematology. 28:3-9 (1991), Skinner et al., J Mol. Biol. 266:601-609 (1997), Jairajpuri et al., J. Biol. Chem. M212319200 (2003)). Oligosugars as used herein can be derivatized with additional small molecules, such as biotin, avidin or streptavidin.

[0051] Oligosugars may be linked to a heat treated ATIII molecule through incubation at 37-60° C. for 1-72 hours in buffers such as 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCl, pH 7.4. Likewise, the association of ATIII with oligosugars such as heparin may be accomplished using standard synthetic organic chemistry methods well known to those skilled in the art (See for example, March J. Advanced Organic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons , Inc. (1992)). High molecular weight ATIII can be generated by heat modifying ATIII and then adding an oligosugar or first treating the ATIII with an oligosugar and then heat modifying as shown in the examples.

[0052] High molecular weight ATIIIs can also be prepared by conjugating an ATIII molecule with at least one other ATIII molecule, to create a multimer, such as a dimer or a trimer. In addition, functional fragments of ATIII may be conjugated to other functional fragments or to full length molecules to generate high molecular weight ATIII.

[0053] Additional high molecular weight ATIIIs can be prepared based on association with sulfated molecules (Gunnarsson, G T and U R Desai, Bioorg Me Chem Lett 13(4): 679-893 (2003)).

[0054] High molecular weight ATIII can be formulated in a manner that extends its in vivo half life. For example, high molecular weight ATIII can be attached to an additional large molecular weight molecule, such as a protein or polymer that allows longer blood circulation and slower release. Preferably the controlled release formulation is comprised of an amid or polymeric product that is biodegradable.

[0055] Controlled release formulations may include implants and microencapsulated delivery systems (see WO 94/23697 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,872 respectively). High molecular weight ATIII may be entrapped or conjugated to polymers and implanted in a patient to facilitate slow release. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Examples of these technologies are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,110,596, 5,034,229, and 5,057,318, the respective contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0056] Other controlled release formulations may include transdermal delivery systems. Examples of these may include the microsealed system which is a partition-controlled delivery system that contains a reservoir with a saturated suspension of modified ATIII in a water-miscible solvent homogeneously dispersed in a silicone elastomer matrix. A second system is the matrix-diffusion controlled system. The third and most widely used system for transdermal drug delivery is the membrane-permeation controlled system. A fourth system, recently made available, is the gradient-charged system. Additionally, advanced transdermal carriers include systems such as iontophoretic and sonophoretic systems, thermosetting gels, and prodrugs (see Ranade VV. (1991) J. Clin Pharmacol 31(5):401-418) In these system, absorption promoters may be used to enhance the penetration of modified ATIII through the skin.

[0057] The absorption promoters may be selected in particular, from propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, propylene glycol dipelargonate, glyceryl monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol, monoglycerides, monooleate of ethoxylated glycerides (with 8 to 10 ethylene oxide units), Azone (1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one), 2-(n-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane, isopropylmyristate, octylmyristate, dodecyl-myristate, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, lauric acid, lauryl lactate, terpinol, 1-menthol, d-limonene, .beta.-cyclodextrin and its derivatives or surfactants such as polysorbates, sorbitan esters, sucrose esters, fatty acids, bile salts, or alternatively lipophilic and/or hydrophilic and/or amphiphilic products such as poly-glycerol esters, N-methylpyrrolidone, polyglycosylated glycerides and cetyl lactate. The absorption promoter preferably represents from 5 to 25% of the weight of the composition. Further description of absorption promoters appears in in U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,039.

[0058] Activity Assays

[0059] High molecular weight ATIII as described herein, may be assayed for antiviral activity using any of a number of commercially available assays. For example, the ability to reduce HIV viral load may be determined using the Alliance® HIV-1 p24 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, for example as shown in Example 2. In other embodiments, one skilled in the art could determine HIV-1 inhibitory activities of modified ATIII by detecting the presence and/or relative amount of viral DNA using for example, RT-PCR (Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor; Roche Diagnostic Systems), nucleic acid sequence based amplification (HIV-1 RNA QT; Organon Teknika), nucleic acid hybridization and branched DNA signal amplification (Quantiplex HIV-1 RNA; Bayer Nucleic Acid Diagnostics), DNA hybridization and colorimetric detection (Digene assay: Digene Diagnostics), a multiplex transcription-mediated amplification system (Gen-Probe), and nucleic acid and sequence based amplification assays (Nuclisens).

[0060] Inhibition of Hepatitis A by modified ATIII may be identified, for example, using commercially available radioimmunoassay (RIA) or ELISA assays to detect specific Hepatitis A Virus antibody of the IgM class, molecular hybridization and PCR detection techniques. Inhibition of Hepatitis B may be assayed, for example, by liquid hybridization tests (Genostics Assay; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill.), branched DNA assays (Bayer, Emeryville, Calif.), and PCR assays (Cobas Amplicor HBV Monitor or Cobas-AM). Inhibition of Hepatitis C may be assayed using ELISA assays specific for Hepatitis C virus, RNA detection by standardized RT-PCR assays (Amplicor HCV 2.0; Roche Molecular Systems), and branched DNA assays (Quantiplex HCV RNA 2.0; Chiron Diagnostic Laboratories) (Clinical Virology, 2^(nd) Ed., by Richman, Whitley, Hayden (American Society for Microbiology Press: 2002 Chapters 30, 32, 46, 52). Inhibition of coronaviruses (e.g. SARS) may be assayed using commercially available PCR assays.

[0061] 3. Pharmaceutical Compositions and Therapeutic Uses

[0062] Based on the bioactivity shown herein, pharmaceutical preparations comprising an effective amount of high molecular weight ATIII can be administered to subjects (including humans and animals, such as cows, horses, dogs, cats, etc.) to treat the subject for an infection and/or inflammation. Preferably the infection is bacterial or viral based. Particularly preferred viral infections are retroviral infections, caused, for example, by viruses selected from the group consisting of: HIV, HAV, HBV, HCV, and SARS.

[0063] In addition to the utility as an anti-infective/anti-inflammatory agent, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may also be used to inhibit thrombin activation in a patient in need of such inhibition. Thrombin activation related diseases in a -patient include sepsis, trauma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, thrombosis, stroke, and restenosis. The pharmaceutical compositions may also be used to treat patients at risk of a thrombin related pathological disease such as reocclusion and restenosis in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; thrombosis associated with surgery, ischemia/reperfusion injury; and coagulation abnormalities in cancer or surgical patients. The pharmaceutical compositions may further be used as anti-coagulants in the treatment of for example, congenital antithrombin III deficiency which leads to an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis, or acquired antithrombin III deficiency which results in disseminated intravascular coagulation, microangiopathic hemolytic anemias due to endothelial damage (i.e. hemolytic-uremic syndrome) and veno-occlusive disease (VOD).

[0064] Pharmaceutical compositions of high molecular weight ATIII may be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients. Thus, high molecular weight ATIII may be formulated for administration by, for example, injection, inhalation or insufflation (either through the mouth or the nose) or oral, buccal, parenteral or rectal administration.

[0065] For such therapy, the compounds of the invention can be formulated for a variety of loads of administration, including systemic and topical or localized administration. Techniques and formulations generally may be found in Remmington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meade Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. For systemic administration, injection is preferred, including intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous. For injection, the compounds of the invention can be formulated in liquid solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hank's solution or Ringer's solution. In addition, the compounds may be formulated in solid form and redissolved or suspended immediately prior to use. Lyophilized forms are also included.

[0066] For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebuliser, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

[0067] The high molecular weight ATIII may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The formulations may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water, before use.

[0068] The high molecular weight ATIII may also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

[0069] In addition to the formulations described previously, the compounds may also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, the compounds may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt. Other suitable delivery systems include microspheres which offer the possiblity of local noninvasive delivery of drugs over an extended period of time. Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means. For transmucosal or transdermal administration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration bile salts and fusidic acid derivatives. In addition, detergents may be used to facilitate permeation. Transmucosal administration may be through nasal sprays or using suppositories.

[0070] The mixture of high molecular weight ATIII and pharmacologically acceptable additives is preferably prepared as a lyophilized product, and dissolved when in use. Such preparation can be prepared into a solution containing about 1-100 units/ml of high molecular weight ATIII, by dissolving it in distilled water for injection or sterile purified water. More preferably, it is adjusted to have a physiologically isotonic salt concentration and a physiologically desirable pH value (pH 6-8).

[0071] ATIII has been shown to be well-tolerated when administered at a dose of ˜100 U/kg/day (Warren et al., JAMA 286: 1869-78 (2001)) and has an overall elimination half-life with 18.6 h was demonstrated (Ilias et al. Intensive Care Medicine 26: 7104-7115 (2000)). While the dose is appropriately determined depending on symptom, body weight, sex, animal species and the like, it is generally 1-1,000 units/kg body weight/day, preferably 10-500 units/kg body weight/day of ATIII for a human adult, which is administered in one to several doses a day. In the case of intravenous administration, for example, the dose is preferably 10-100 units/kg body weight/day.

[0072] Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the dosage of any agent, compound, drug, etc., of the present invention will vary depending on the symptoms, age and body weight of the patient, the nature and severity of the disorder to be treated or prevented, the route of administration, and the form of the supplement. Any of the subject formulations may be administered in any suitable dose, such as, for example, in a single dose or in divided doses. Dosages for the compounds of the present invention, alone or together with any other compound of the present invention, or in combination with any compound deemed useful for the particular disorder, disease or condition sought to be treated, may be readily determined by techniques known to those of skill in the art, based on the present description, and as taught herein. Also, the present invention provides mixtures of more than one subject compound, as well as other therapeutic agents.

[0073] The precise time of administration and amount of any particular compound that will yield the most effective treatment in a given patient will depend upon the activity, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of a particular compound, physiological condition of the patient (including age, sex, disease type and stage, general physical condition, responsiveness to a given dosage and type of medication), route of administration, and the like. The guidelines presented herein may be used to optimize the treatment, e.g., determining the optimum time and/or amount of administration, which will require no more than routine experimentation consisting of monitoring the subject and adjusting the dosage and/or timing.

[0074] While the subject is being treated, the health of the patient may be monitored by measuring one or more relevant indices at predetermined times during a 24-hour period. Treatment, including supplement, amounts, times of administration and formulation, may be optimized according to the results of such monitoring. The patient may be periodically reevaluated to determine the extent of improvement by measuring the same parameters, the first such reevaluation typically occurring at the end of four weeks from the onset of therapy, and subsequent reevaluations occurring every four to eight weeks during therapy and then every three months thereafter. Therapy may continue for several months or even years, with a minimum of one month being a typical length of therapy for humans. Adjustments to the amount(s) of agent administered and possibly to the time of administration may be made based on these reevaluations.

[0075] Treatment may be initiated with smaller dosages which are less than the optimum dose of the compound. Thereafter, the dosage may be increased by small increments until the optimum therapeutic effect is attained.

[0076] The high molecular weight ATIII of the present invention, may also be formulated in combination with other anti-viral drugs. For example, the high molecular weight ATIII can be formulated with reverse transcriptase inhibitors, including cocktails, such as highly active antiretroviral drug therapy (HAART) regimen (zidovudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, stavudine, lamivudine, abacavir, tenofovir, nevirapine, efavirenz, delavirdine) and protease inhibitors (saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, lopinavir), adenine arabinoside, adenine arabinoside 5′-monophosphate, acyclovir, ganciclovir, famciclovir, lamivudine, clevudine, afedovir dipivoxil, entecavir, IFN-α-2b, IFN-α-2a, lymphoblastoid IFN, consensus-IFN, IFN-β, IFN-γ, pegylated IFN-α-2a, corticosteroids, or thymosin al, IL-2, IL-12, ribavirin, cyclosporin or granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor.

[0077] The combined use of pharmaceutical compounds of the present invention and other antivirals may reduce the required dosage for any individual component because the onset and duration of effect of the different components may be complimentary. In such combined therapy, the different active agents may be delivered together or separately, and simultaneously or at different times within the day.

[0078] Exemplification

[0079] The invention now being generally described, it will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of High Molecular Weight ATIII

[0080] The following examples describe methods used to prepare certain high molecular weight ATIII.

[0081] 1. Preparation of Heat Treated ATIII (Form 1)

[0082] 10 mg of ATIII was dissolved (or diluted) in 2 ml of 10 mM Tris/HCI, 0.5 M sodium citrate, pH 7.4 and incubated for 24 h at 60° C. with very gentle stirring. The incubate was dialyzed with a use 15 KDa membrane size dialyse membrane against 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCl, pH 7.4. The dialyzed protein was used in the inhibition tests or incubated with heparin (see below) to produce high molecular weight form 2.

[0083] 2. Oligosugar Activation of Heat Treated-ATIII (Form 2 )

[0084] ATIII (Form 1) was incubated with a 1:1 mixture (w/w) of Low Molecular Weight (MW) Heparin (Sigma) at 370° C. for 24-48 hours in 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCl, pH 7.4. Afterwards the solution was dialyzed against 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCl, pH 7.4. The dialyzed protein was used in the below described inhibition test to determine antiviral activity.

[0085] 3. Oligosugar Activation of ATIII (Form 3)

[0086] ATIII was incubated with a 1:1 mixture (w/w) of Low MW Heparin (Sigma) at 370° C. for 24-48 hours in 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCl, pH 7.4. Afterwards the solution was dialyzed against 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCI, pH 7.4. The dialyzed protein was used in the below described inhibition test to determine antiviral activity.

[0087] 4. Heat Treatment of Oligosugar Activated-ATIII (Form 4)

[0088] Form 3 was dialyzed in 10 mM Tris/HCI, 0.5 M sodium citrate, pH 7.4 and incubated for 24 h at 60° C. with very gentle stirring. Afterwards the incubate was dialyzed using a 30-50 kD or larger membrane against 0.02 M sodium phosphate, 0.05 M NaCl, pH 7.4. The dialyzed protein was used in the below described inhibition test to determine antiviral activity.

EXAMPLE 2 Evaluation of HIV-1 Inhibitory Activity

[0089] X4 HTLV-IIIB (hereinafter X4 HIV; Chang et al., NATURE, 363: 466-9 (1993)), a prototypical T-tropic strain of HIV (American Type Tissue Collection, Monassass, Va., USA; ATCC No. CRL-8543), was used to assess the effect of wildtype and high molecular weight ATIII on T-tropic HIV infection. The quantity of virus in a specified suspension volume (eg. 0.1 ml) that will infect 50% of a number (n) of cell culture microplate wells, or tubes, is termed the Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50 [TCID₅₀]. TCID₅₀ is used as an alternative to determining virus titer by plaqueing (which gives values as PFUs or plaque-forming units). Human T lymphoblastoid cells (H9 cells) expressing the human leukocyte antigen proteins (HLA) B6, Bw62, and Cw3 were acutely infected with X4 HIV at a MOI of 1×10⁻² TCID₅₀ per milliliter. The infected H9 cells were resuspended to 5×10⁵ cells/ml in R20 cell culture medium. Two milliliters of this suspension was pipetted into each well of a 24-well microtiter plate. These cells were then cultured in the presence or absence of various forms of wildtype and high molecular weight ATIII for up to 12 days. Every three days (days 3, 6, 9 and 12), 1 ml cell supernatant was removed from test wells and replaced with an equal volume of R20 cell culture medium. Control wells were similarly sampled but received media containing untreated ATIII.

[0090] The concentration of the viral core protein p24 (gag) for HIV (Alliance® HIV-1 p24 ELISA kit, NEN® Life Science, Boston, Mass., USA) was measured for each sample obtained at days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 respectively.

[0091] The results which are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 demonstrate that the various forms of high molecular weight ATIII have the most potent HIV-1 inhibitory activity, whereas unmodified ATIII from GTC Biotherapeutics and Aventis showed virtually no anti-viral activity.

EXAMPLE 3 HPLC Analysis of High Molecular Weight ATIII

[0092] HPLC system: Varian ProStar 210 Pumps, Milton Roy Spectromonitor 3000 UVDetector, BioRad 1755 Refractive Index Monitor. Column: TSK-gel G2000-SWx1 (30 mm × ill 7.8 mm, 5˜) Elution: 0.05 M phosphate pH 7.0, 0.9% NaCl, 1 ml/min Detection: Channel A - RI detector Channel B - UV detector (280 nm) MW calibration: BioRad protein standards.

[0093] Molecular Protein Weight (MW)* Retention Time (RT) Thyroglobulin (669,000)  5.708 IgG (160,000)  6.521 Ovalbumin (44,300)   7.521 Myoglobin (17,600)   9.228 Vitamin B12 (1,355)  11.385 Relative MW* Sample description: (main peaks (%)) UV RT #1 - ATIII control 68,100 7.098 (90) #2 - ATIII heat-treated 74,500 7.016(51); 6,431(32); 9.431(16) #3 - ATIII heat-treated 74,500 7.008 + 6.616(80);    followed by heparin 9,485(13), 5.8 (7)    incubation #4 - ATIII heparin incubation 67,600 7,105(93); 5,760(7) #5 - ATIII heparin incubation 68,600 7,090 + 5,800 (100)    followed by heat    treatment #6 - Protein calibration    standards (see above)

SUMMARY

[0094] The present results show that the degree of modification of ATIII increases in a row in the following manner #3>#2>#5>#4 that correlates with THE accumulation of heparin in the protein containing polymer fraction (RT>7.8) and increase in RT of major protein fraction (RT˜7.0˜7.1, UV at 280 nm). The relative change in MW of major fraction of ATIII conjugate compared to starting ATIII is reported in the table above. (The MW of glycosylated ATIII is ˜54,000 Da. MW of not glycosilated ATIII (alpha and beta isoforms correspondingly 47,800 Da and 46,800 Da).

[0095] All ATIII modifications were found to contain substantial amounts of high molecular weight protein aggregates, which are in exclusion volume for TSK G2000 column, but might be analyzed on columns with better resolution for high MW polymers.

[0096] The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of virology, protein chemistry, cell biology, cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, and recombinant DNA, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. See, for example, Clinical Virology, 2^(nd) Ed., by Richman, Whitley, Hayden (American Society for Microbiology Press: 2002), Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., ed. by Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: 1989); DNA Cloning, Volumes I and II (D. N. Glover ed., 1985); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gait ed., 1984); Mullis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; Nucleic Acid Hybridization (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. 1984); Transcription And Translation (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. 1984); Culture Of Animal Cells (R. I. Freshney, Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1987); Immobilized Cells And Enzymes (IRL Press, 1986); B.Perbal, A Practical Guide To Molecular Cloning (1984); the treatise, Methods In Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc., N.Y.); Gene Transfer Vectors For Mammalian Cells (J. H. Miller and M. P. Calos eds., 1987, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory); and Methods In Enzymology, Vols. 154 and 155 (Wu et al. eds.)All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the present application, including any definitions herein, will control.

[0097] Equivalents

[0098] While specific embodiments of the subject invention have been discussed, the above specification is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and the claims below. The full scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the claims, along with their full scope of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations.

1 22 1 1599 DNA Homo sapiens CDS (121)..(1512) sig_peptide (121)..(216) mat_peptide (217)..(1512) 1 caccagcatc atctcctcca attcatccag ctactctgcc catgaagata atagttttca 60 ggcggattgc ctcagatcac actatctcca cttgcccagc cctgtggaag attagcggcc 120 atg tat tcc aat gtg ata gga act gta acc tct gga aaa agg aag gtt 168 Met Tyr Ser Asn Val Ile Gly Thr Val Thr Ser Gly Lys Arg Lys Val -30 -25 -20 tat ctt ttg tcc ttg ctg ctc att ggc ttc tgg gac tgc gtg acc tgt 216 Tyr Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Phe Trp Asp Cys Val Thr Cys -15 -10 -5 -1 cac ggg agc cct gtg gac atc tgc aca gcc aag ccg cgg gac att ccc 264 His Gly Ser Pro Val Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile Pro 1 5 10 15 atg aat ccc atg tgc att tac cgc tcc ccg gag aag aag gca act gag 312 Met Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr Glu 20 25 30 gat gag ggc tca gaa cag aag atc ccg gag gcc acc aac cgg cgt gtc 360 Asp Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg Val 35 40 45 tgg gaa ctg tcc aag gcc aat tcc cgc ttt gct acc act ttc tat cag 408 Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Thr Phe Tyr Gln 50 55 60 cac ctg gca gat tcc aag aat gac aat gat aac att ttc ctg tca ccc 456 His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser Pro 65 70 75 80 ctg agt atc tcc acg gct ttt gct atg acc aag ctg ggt gcc tgt aat 504 Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys Asn 85 90 95 gac acc ctc cag caa ctg atg gag gta ttt aag ttt gac acc ata tct 552 Asp Thr Leu Gln Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile Ser 100 105 110 gag aaa aca tct gat cag atc cac ttc ttc ttt gcc aaa ctg aac tgc 600 Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn Cys 115 120 125 cga ctc tat cga aaa gcc aac aaa tcc tcc aag tta gta tca gcc aat 648 Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Lys Leu Val Ser Ala Asn 130 135 140 cgc ctt ttt gga gac aaa tcc ctt acc ttc aat gag acc tac cag gac 696 Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln Asp 145 150 155 160 atc agt gag ttg gta tat gga gcc aag ctc cag ccc ctg gac ttc aag 744 Ile Ser Glu Leu Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe Lys 165 170 175 gaa aat gca gag caa tcc aga gcg gcc atc aac aaa tgg gtg tcc aat 792 Glu Asn Ala Glu Gln Ser Arg Ala Ala Ile Asn Lys Trp Val Ser Asn 180 185 190 aag acc gaa ggc cga atc acc gat gtc att ccc tcg gaa gcc atc aat 840 Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Thr Asp Val Ile Pro Ser Glu Ala Ile Asn 195 200 205 gag ctc act gtt ctg gtg ctg gtt aac acc att tac ttc aag ggc ctg 888 Glu Leu Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly Leu 210 215 220 tgg aag tca aag ttc agc cct gag aac aca agg aag gaa ctg ttc tac 936 Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Arg Lys Glu Leu Phe Tyr 225 230 235 240 aag gct gat gga gag tcg tgt tca gca tct atg atg tac cag gaa ggc 984 Lys Ala Asp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ser Ala Ser Met Met Tyr Gln Glu Gly 245 250 255 aag ttc cgt tat cgg cgc gtg gct gaa ggc acc cag gtg ctt gag ttg 1032 Lys Phe Arg Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Gly Thr Gln Val Leu Glu Leu 260 265 270 ccc ttc aaa ggt gat gac atc acc atg gtc ctc atc ttg ccc aag cct 1080 Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys Pro 275 280 285 gag aag agc ctg gcc aag gtg gag aag gaa ctc acc cca gag gtg ctg 1128 Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Lys Glu Leu Thr Pro Glu Val Leu 290 295 300 cag gag tgg ctg gat gaa ttg gag gag atg atg ctg gtg gtt cac atg 1176 Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Glu Glu Met Met Leu Val Val His Met 305 310 315 320 ccc cgc ttc cgc att gag gac ggc ttc agt ttg aag gag cag ctg caa 1224 Pro Arg Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Gly Phe Ser Leu Lys Glu Gln Leu Gln 325 330 335 gac atg ggc ctt gtc gat ctg ttc agc cct gaa aag tcc aaa ctc cca 1272 Asp Met Gly Leu Val Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu Lys Ser Lys Leu Pro 340 345 350 ggt att gtt gca gaa ggc cga gat gac ctc tat gtc tca gat gca ttc 1320 Gly Ile Val Ala Glu Gly Arg Asp Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala Phe 355 360 365 cat aag gca ttt ctt gag gta aat gaa gaa ggc agt gaa gca gct gca 1368 His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala Ala 370 375 380 agt acc gct gtt gtg att gct ggc cgt tcg cta aac ccc aac agg gtg 1416 Ser Thr Ala Val Val Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro Asn Arg Val 385 390 395 400 act ttc aag gcc aac agg ccc ttc ctg gtt ttt ata aga gaa gtt cct 1464 Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Phe Ile Arg Glu Val Pro 405 410 415 ctg aac act att atc ttc atg ggc aga gta gcc aac cct tgt gtt aag 1512 Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Val Lys 420 425 430 taaaatgttc ttattctttg cacctcttcc tatttttggt ttgtgaacag aagtaaaaat 1572 aaatacaaac tacttccatc tcacatt 1599 2 464 PRT Homo sapiens 2 Met Tyr Ser Asn Val Ile Gly Thr Val Thr Ser Gly Lys Arg Lys Val -30 -25 -20 Tyr Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Phe Trp Asp Cys Val Thr Cys -15 -10 -5 -1 His Gly Ser Pro Val Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile Pro 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr Glu 20 25 30 Asp Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg Val 35 40 45 Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Thr Phe Tyr Gln 50 55 60 His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser Pro 65 70 75 80 Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys Asn 85 90 95 Asp Thr Leu Gln Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile Ser 100 105 110 Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn Cys 115 120 125 Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Lys Leu Val Ser Ala Asn 130 135 140 Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln Asp 145 150 155 160 Ile Ser Glu Leu Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe Lys 165 170 175 Glu Asn Ala Glu Gln Ser Arg Ala Ala Ile Asn Lys Trp Val Ser Asn 180 185 190 Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Thr Asp Val Ile Pro Ser Glu Ala Ile Asn 195 200 205 Glu Leu Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly Leu 210 215 220 Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Arg Lys Glu Leu Phe Tyr 225 230 235 240 Lys Ala Asp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ser Ala Ser Met Met Tyr Gln Glu Gly 245 250 255 Lys Phe Arg Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Gly Thr Gln Val Leu Glu Leu 260 265 270 Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys Pro 275 280 285 Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Lys Glu Leu Thr Pro Glu Val Leu 290 295 300 Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Glu Glu Met Met Leu Val Val His Met 305 310 315 320 Pro Arg Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Gly Phe Ser Leu Lys Glu Gln Leu Gln 325 330 335 Asp Met Gly Leu Val Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu Lys Ser Lys Leu Pro 340 345 350 Gly Ile Val Ala Glu Gly Arg Asp Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala Phe 355 360 365 His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala Ala 370 375 380 Ser Thr Ala Val Val Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro Asn Arg Val 385 390 395 400 Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Phe Ile Arg Glu Val Pro 405 410 415 Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Val Lys 420 425 430 3 1467 DNA Homo sapiens 3 gaattcgagc tcgccccggc catgtattcc aatgtgatag gaactgtaac ctctggaaaa 60 aggaaggttt atctcttgtc cttgctgctc attggcttct gggactgcgt gacctgtcac 120 gggagccctg tggacatctg cacagccaag ccgcgggaca ttcccatgaa tcccatgtgc 180 atttaccgct ccccggagaa gaaggcaact gaggatgagg gctcagaaca gaagatcccg 240 gaggccacca acaaccggcg tgtctgggaa ctgtccaagg ccaattcccg ctttgctacc 300 actttctatc agcacctggc agattccaag aatgacaatg ataacatttt cctgtcaccc 360 ctgagtatct ctacggcttt tgctatgacc aagctgggtg cctgtaatga caccctccag 420 caactgatgg aggtatttaa gtttgacacc atatctgaga aaacatctga tcagatccac 480 ttcttctttg ccaaactgaa ctgccgactc tatcgaaaag ccaacaaatc ctccaagtta 540 gtatcagcca atcgcctttt tggagacaaa tcccttacct tcaatgagac ctaccaggac 600 atcagtgagt tggtatatgg agccaagctc cagcccctgg acttcaagga aaatgcagag 660 caatccagag cggccatcaa caaatgggtg tccaataaga ccgaaggccg aatcaccgat 720 gtcattccct cggaagccat caatgagctc actgttctgg tgctggttaa caccatttac 780 ttcaagggcc tgtggaagtc aaagttcagc cctgagaaca caaggaagga actgttctac 840 aaggctgatg gagagtcgtg ttcagcatct atgatgtacc aggaaggcaa gttccgttat 900 cggcgcgtgg ctgaaggcac ccaggtgctt gagttgccct tcaaaggtga tgacatcacc 960 atggtcctca tcttgcccaa gcctgagaag agcctggcca aggtggagaa ggaactcacc 1020 ccagaggtgc tgcaggagtg gctggatgaa ttggaggaga tgatgctggt ggtccacatg 1080 ccccgcttcc gcattgagga cggcttcagt ttgaaggagc agctgcaaga catgggcctt 1140 gtcgatctgt tcagccctga aaagtccaaa ctcccaggta ttgttgcaga aggccgagat 1200 gacctctatg tctcagatgc attccataag gcatttcttg aggtaaatga agaaggcagt 1260 gaagcagctg caagtaccgc tgttgtgatt gctggccgtt cgctaaaccc caacagggtg 1320 actttcaagg ccaacatgcc tttcctggtt tttataagag aagttcctct gaacactatt 1380 atcttcatgg gcagggtagc caacccttgt gttaagtaaa atgttctcta gaggatcccc 1440 catcgatggg gtaccgagct cgaattc 1467 4 465 PRT Homo sapiens 4 Met Tyr Ser Asn Val Ile Gly Thr Val Thr Ser Gly Lys Arg Lys Val 1 5 10 15 Tyr Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Phe Trp Asp Cys Val Thr Cys 20 25 30 His Gly Ser Pro Val Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile Pro 35 40 45 Met Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr Glu 50 55 60 Asp Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Asn Arg Arg 65 70 75 80 Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Thr Phe Tyr 85 90 95 Gln His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser 100 105 110 Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys 115 120 125 Asn Asp Thr Leu Gln Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile 130 135 140 Ser Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn 145 150 155 160 Cys Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Lys Leu Val Ser Ala 165 170 175 Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln 180 185 190 Asp Ile Ser Glu Leu Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe 195 200 205 Lys Glu Asn Ala Glu Gln Ser Arg Ala Ala Ile Asn Lys Trp Val Ser 210 215 220 Asn Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Thr Asp Val Ile Pro Ser Glu Ala Ile 225 230 235 240 Asn Glu Leu Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly 245 250 255 Leu Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Arg Lys Glu Leu Phe 260 265 270 Tyr Lys Ala Asp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ser Ala Ser Met Met Tyr Gln Glu 275 280 285 Gly Lys Phe Arg Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Gly Thr Gln Val Leu Glu 290 295 300 Leu Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys 305 310 315 320 Pro Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Lys Glu Leu Thr Pro Glu Val 325 330 335 Leu Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Glu Glu Met Met Leu Val Val His 340 345 350 Met Pro Arg Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Gly Phe Ser Leu Lys Glu Gln Leu 355 360 365 Gln Asp Met Gly Leu Val Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu Lys Ser Lys Leu 370 375 380 Pro Gly Ile Val Ala Glu Gly Arg Asp Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala 385 390 395 400 Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala 405 410 415 Ala Ser Thr Ala Val Val Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro Asn Arg 420 425 430 Val Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Met Pro Phe Leu Val Phe Ile Arg Glu Val 435 440 445 Pro Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Val 450 455 460 Lys 465 5 988 DNA Homo sapiens 5 ggaacctctg cgagatttag aggaaagaac cagttttcag gcggattgcc tcagatcaca 60 ctatctccac ttgcccagcc ctgtggaaga ttagcggcca tgtattccaa tgtgatagga 120 actgtaacct ctggaaaaag gaaggtttat cttttgtcct tgctgctcat tggcttctgg 180 gactgcgtga cctgtcacgg gagccctgtg gacatctgca cagccaagcc gcgggacatt 240 cccatgaatc ccatgtgcat ttaccgctcc ccggagaaga aggcaactga ggatgagggc 300 tcagaacaga agatcccgga ggccaccaac cggcgtgtct gggaactgtc caaggccaat 360 tcccgctttg ctaccacttt ctatcagcac ctggcagatt ccaagaatga caatgataac 420 attttcctgt cacccctgag tatctccacg gcttttgcta tgaccaagct gggtgcctgt 480 aatgacaccc tccagcaact gatggaggta tttaagtttg acaccatatc tgagaaaaca 540 tctgatcaga tccacttctt ctttgccaaa ctgaactgcc gactctatcg aaaagccaac 600 aaatcctcca agttagtatc agccaatcgc ctttttggag acaaatccct taccttcaat 660 gacctctatg tctcagatgc attccataag gcatttcttg aggtaaatga agaaggcagt 720 gaagcagctg caagtaccgc tgttgtgatt gctggccgtt cgctaaaccc caacagggtg 780 actttcaagg ccaacaggcc tttcctggtt tttataagag aagttcctct gaacactatt 840 atcttcatgg gcagagtagc caacccttgt gttaagtaaa atgttcttat tctttgcacc 900 tcttcctatt tttggtttgt gaacagaagt aaaaataaat acaaactact tccatcgcaa 960 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaa 988 6 259 PRT Homo sapiens 6 Met Tyr Ser Asn Val Ile Gly Thr Val Thr Ser Gly Lys Arg Lys Val 1 5 10 15 Tyr Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Phe Trp Asp Cys Val Thr Cys 20 25 30 His Gly Ser Pro Val Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile Pro 35 40 45 Met Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr Glu 50 55 60 Asp Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg Val 65 70 75 80 Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Thr Phe Tyr Gln 85 90 95 His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser Pro 100 105 110 Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys Asn 115 120 125 Asp Thr Leu Gln Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile Ser 130 135 140 Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn Cys 145 150 155 160 Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Lys Leu Val Ser Ala Asn 165 170 175 Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser 180 185 190 Asp Ala Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu 195 200 205 Ala Ala Ala Ser Thr Ala Val Val Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro 210 215 220 Asn Arg Val Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Phe Ile Arg 225 230 235 240 Glu Val Pro Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro 245 250 255 Cys Val Lys 7 451 DNA Homo sapiens 7 cagcctagct taacttggca ttttgtctcc ttgcaggaag gtttatcttt tgtccttgct 60 gctcattggc ttctgggact gcgtgacctg tcacgggagc cctgtggaca tctgcacagc 120 caagccgcgg gacattcaca tgaatcccat gtgcatttac cgctccccgg agaagaaggc 180 aactgaggat gagggctcag aacagaagat cccggaggcc accaaccggc gtgtctggga 240 actgtccaag gccaattccc gctttgctac cactttctat cagcacctgg cagattccaa 300 gaatgacaat gataacattt tcctgtcacc cctgagtatc tccacggctt ttgctatgac 360 caagctgggt gcctgtaatg acaccctcca gcaactgatg gaggtacgac caaaggtctt 420 ctgcccagcc accttgttag gagcaccttt g 451 8 122 PRT Homo sapiens 8 Lys Val Tyr Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Phe Trp Asp Cys Val 1 5 10 15 Thr Cys His Gly Ser Pro Val Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp 20 25 30 Ile His Met Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala 35 40 45 Thr Glu Asp Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg 50 55 60 Arg Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Thr Phe 65 70 75 80 Tyr Gln His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu 85 90 95 Ser Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala 100 105 110 Cys Asn Asp Thr Leu Gln Gln Leu Met Glu 115 120 9 1751 DNA Ovis aries 9 ctcagaccac actatctcca ctcgctcaga cctgtggaag attagtgacc atgatttcca 60 atgggatagg aaccgtcacc actgggaaaa ggagcatgtg tcttttccct ttgctgctca 120 ttggcctctg gggctgtgtg acctgtcatc ggagccctgt ggaggacatc tgcacagcca 180 aacctcggga cattcctgtg aatcccatgt gtatttaccg ttccccagag aagaaggcaa 240 ctgagggaga gggctcagag cagaagatcc ctggggccac caaccggcgt gtctgggaac 300 tgtccaaggc caattcccac tttgccactg ccttctatca gcatttggca gactccaaga 360 ataacaatga caacattttc ctgtcacccc tgagtatctc cacagctttt gctatgacca 420 agctgggtgc ctgtaacaac acactcaagc agttgatgga ggtttttaag tttgatacca 480 tctctgagaa aacttctgat cagatccact ttttctttgc taaactgaat tgccgactct 540 atcgaaaagc caataaatcc tctgagttgg tatcggccaa ccgtcttttt ggagacaaat 600 ccattacctt caatgagacc taccaggaca tcagtgaggt ggtatatggg gccaagctcc 660 agcccctgga cttcaaggga aatgcagagc agtccagatt gactatcaac caatggatat 720 ccaataagac tgaagggcgt atcactgatg tcattccccc acaagccatc gatgagttca 780 ctgtcctggt gctagtcaac accatttact tcaagggcct gtggaagtca aagttcagtc 840 ccgagaacac aaagaaggag ctgttctaca aggctgacgg ggagtcatgt tcagtaccca 900 tgatgtacca ggaaggcaag ttccgctatc ggagagtggc agaaggcacc caggtgctcg 960 agttgccctt caagggtgat gacatcacca tggtgctcat cctgcccaag ctggagaagc 1020 ccctggccaa ggtggaacgg gagctcaccc cagacatgct gcaggagtgg ctggatgagc 1080 tgacagagac actgctggtg gtccacatgc cccacttccg catcgaggac agcttcagcg 1140 tgaaggagca gctgcaagac atgggcctcg aagacttgtt cagtcctgag aagtccaggc 1200 tcccgggtat tgttgcagaa ggtcgaaacg acctctatgt ctcagatgca ttccacaagg 1260 catttcttga ggtaaatgag gaaggcagtg aagctgcagc aagtaccgtc attagcatcg 1320 ctggtcgttc gctgaacctg aacagggtga ccttccaggc caacaggccc ttcctggttc 1380 tcatcaggga agttgctctg aacactatta tattcatggg cagagtagct aacccttgtg 1440 ttaattaaaa tgttatcctt tgtatttctt cctattttgg tttgtgaata caagtaaaaa 1500 taaatacaac tattcccata tctgaccatt atgaatggac tctgccatct gaaatgaagg 1560 caaggaaagg agaaatggat agagatgctg ctgggcattt ggtataacga ggctttcagc 1620 ttttctctac tggtgaacac atctgggtca agaaagtgaa ggagggagtt atgttactac 1680 ttcatcttga aagatagtag gcatcttgag agggcagggt gagcttgaaa tctagataat 1740 cccttaatac t 1751 10 465 PRT Ovis aries 10 Met Ile Ser Asn Gly Ile Gly Thr Val Thr Thr Gly Lys Arg Ser Met 1 5 10 15 Cys Leu Phe Pro Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Leu Trp Gly Cys Val Thr Cys 20 25 30 His Arg Ser Pro Val Glu Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile 35 40 45 Pro Val Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr 50 55 60 Glu Gly Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Gly Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg 65 70 75 80 Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser His Phe Ala Thr Ala Phe Tyr 85 90 95 Gln His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asn Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser 100 105 110 Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys 115 120 125 Asn Asn Thr Leu Lys Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile 130 135 140 Ser Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn 145 150 155 160 Cys Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Glu Leu Val Ser Ala 165 170 175 Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Ile Thr Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln 180 185 190 Asp Ile Ser Glu Val Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe 195 200 205 Lys Gly Asn Ala Glu Gln Ser Arg Leu Thr Ile Asn Gln Trp Ile Ser 210 215 220 Asn Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Thr Asp Val Ile Pro Pro Gln Ala Ile 225 230 235 240 Asp Glu Phe Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly 245 250 255 Leu Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Lys Lys Glu Leu Phe 260 265 270 Tyr Lys Ala Asp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ser Val Pro Met Met Tyr Gln Glu 275 280 285 Gly Lys Phe Arg Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Gly Thr Gln Val Leu Glu 290 295 300 Leu Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys 305 310 315 320 Leu Glu Lys Pro Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Arg Glu Leu Thr Pro Asp Met 325 330 335 Leu Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Thr Glu Thr Leu Leu Val Val His 340 345 350 Met Pro His Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Ser Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Gln Leu 355 360 365 Gln Asp Met Gly Leu Glu Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu Lys Ser Arg Leu 370 375 380 Pro Gly Ile Val Ala Glu Gly Arg Asn Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala 385 390 395 400 Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala 405 410 415 Ala Ser Thr Val Ile Ser Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Leu Asn Arg 420 425 430 Val Thr Phe Gln Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Leu Ile Arg Glu Val 435 440 445 Ala Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Val 450 455 460 Asn 465 11 1509 DNA Mus musculus 11 cttggagcat cggccatgta ttcccctggg gcaggaagtg gggctgctgg tgagaggaag 60 ctttgtctcc tctctctgct cctcatcggt gccttgggct gtgctatctg tcacggaaac 120 cctgtggacg acatctgcat agcgaagccc cgagacatcc ccgtgaatcc cttgtgcatt 180 taccgctccc ctgggaagaa ggccaccgag gaggatggct cagagcagaa ggttccagaa 240 gccaccaacc ggcgggtctg ggaactgtcc aaggccaatt cgcgatttgc cactaacttc 300 taccagcacc tggcagactc caagaatgac aacgacaaca ttttcctgtc acccttgagc 360 atctccactg cttttgctat gaccaagctg ggtgcctgta acgacactct caagcagctg 420 atggaggttt ttaaatttga taccatctcc gagaagacat ccgaccagat ccacttcttc 480 tttgccaaac tgaactgccg actctatcga aaagccaaca agtcctctga cttggtatca 540 gccaaccgcc tttttggaga caaatccctc accttcaacg agagctatca agatgttagt 600 gaggttgtct atggagccaa gctccagccc ctggacttca aggagaatcc ggagcaatcc 660 agagtgacca tcaacaactg ggtagctaat aagactgaag gccgcatcaa agatgtcatc 720 ccacagggcg ccattaacga gctcactgcc ctggttctgg ttaacaccat ttacttcaag 780 ggcctgtgga agtcaaagtt cagccctgag aacacaagga aggaaccgtt ctataaggtc 840 gatgggcagt catgcccagt gcctatgatg taccaggaag gcaaattcaa ataccggcgc 900 gtggcagagg gcacccaggt gctagagctg cccttcaagg gggatgacat caccatggtg 960 ctcatcctgc ccaagcctga gaagagcctg gccaaggtgg agcaggagct caccccagag 1020 ctgctgcagg agtggctgga tgagctgtca gagactatgc ttgtggtcca catgccccgc 1080 ttccgcaccg aggatggctt cagtctgaag gagcagctgc aagacatggg cctcattgat 1140 ctcttcagcc ctgaaaagtc ccaactccca gggatcgttg ctggaggcag ggacgacctc 1200 tatgtctccg acgcattcca caaagcattt cttgaggtaa atgaggaagg cagtgaagca 1260 gcagcgagta cttctgtcgt gattactggc cggtcactga accccaatag ggtgaccttc 1320 aaggccaaca ggcccttcct ggttcttata agggaagttg cactgaacac tattatattc 1380 atggggagag tggctaatcc ttgtgtgaac taaaatattc ttaatctttg caccttttcc 1440 tactttggtg tttgtgaata gaagtaaaaa taaatacgac tgccacctca aaaaaaaaaa 1500 aaaaaaaaa 1509 12 465 PRT Mus musculus 12 Met Tyr Ser Pro Gly Ala Gly Ser Gly Ala Ala Gly Glu Arg Lys Leu 1 5 10 15 Cys Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Ile Gly Ala Leu Gly Cys Ala Ile Cys 20 25 30 His Gly Asn Pro Val Asp Asp Ile Cys Ile Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile 35 40 45 Pro Val Asn Pro Leu Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Gly Lys Lys Ala Thr 50 55 60 Glu Glu Asp Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Val Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg 65 70 75 80 Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Asn Phe Tyr 85 90 95 Gln His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser 100 105 110 Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys 115 120 125 Asn Asp Thr Leu Lys Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile 130 135 140 Ser Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn 145 150 155 160 Cys Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Asp Leu Val Ser Ala 165 170 175 Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Glu Ser Tyr Gln 180 185 190 Asp Val Ser Glu Val Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe 195 200 205 Lys Glu Asn Pro Glu Gln Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Asn Asn Trp Val Ala 210 215 220 Asn Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Lys Asp Val Ile Pro Gln Gly Ala Ile 225 230 235 240 Asn Glu Leu Thr Ala Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly 245 250 255 Leu Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Arg Lys Glu Pro Phe 260 265 270 Tyr Lys Val Asp Gly Gln Ser Cys Pro Val Pro Met Met Tyr Gln Glu 275 280 285 Gly Lys Phe Lys Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Gly Thr Gln Val Leu Glu 290 295 300 Leu Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys 305 310 315 320 Pro Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Gln Glu Leu Thr Pro Glu Leu 325 330 335 Leu Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Ser Glu Thr Met Leu Val Val His 340 345 350 Met Pro Arg Phe Arg Thr Glu Asp Gly Phe Ser Leu Lys Glu Gln Leu 355 360 365 Gln Asp Met Gly Leu Ile Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu Lys Ser Gln Leu 370 375 380 Pro Gly Ile Val Ala Gly Gly Arg Asp Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala 385 390 395 400 Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala 405 410 415 Ala Ser Thr Ser Val Val Ile Thr Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro Asn Arg 420 425 430 Val Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Leu Ile Arg Glu Val 435 440 445 Ala Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Val 450 455 460 Asn 465 13 572 DNA Sus scrofa 13 ttcagaggga ttgcctcaga ccacactatc tccactcgcc cagacctgtg gaagattagc 60 gaccatgttt tccagtggga taggaactgt agctgctaga aaaaggaggg agtgtcttct 120 ctccttgctg attattggcc tctggggctg tgtgacctgt cattggagcc ctgtggagga 180 catctgcaca gccaagcctc gggacattcc cgtgaatccc atgtgcattt accgttcccc 240 agagaagaag gccactgagg gcgagggctc agagcagaag atccctgagg ccaccaaccg 300 gcgggtctgg gaactgtcca aggccaattc ccactttgtc accatcttct atcagcactt 360 ggcagactcc aagaatgaca atgacaacat tttcctgtca cccctgagta tctccacagc 420 ttttgctatg accaagctgg gtgcctgtga caacaccctc aagcagctga tggaggtgtt 480 taagtttgat accatctctg agaaaacatc tgatcaggtc cactttttct ttgccaaact 540 gaactgccga ctctatcgaa aagccaacaa gt 572 14 431 PRT Sus scrofa 14 His Trp Ser Pro Val Glu Asp Ile Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile 1 5 10 15 Pro Val Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr 20 25 30 Glu Gly Glu Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg 35 40 45 Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser His Phe Ala Thr Ile Phe Tyr 50 55 60 Gln His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser 65 70 75 80 Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys 85 90 95 Asp Asn Thr Leu Lys Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile 100 105 110 Ser Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Val His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn 115 120 125 Cys Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Glu Leu Val Ser Ala 130 135 140 Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln 145 150 155 160 Glu Ile Ser Glu Val Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe 165 170 175 Lys Glu Asn Ala Glu Gln Ser Arg Gly Ile Ile Asn Gln Trp Val Ser 180 185 190 Asn Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Thr Asp Val Ile Pro Pro Glu Ala Ile 195 200 205 Asn Glu Leu Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly 210 215 220 Arg Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Ser Glu Asn Thr Arg Lys Glu Leu Phe 225 230 235 240 Tyr Lys Ala Asn Gly Glu Ser Cys Ser Val Ser Met Met Tyr Gln Glu 245 250 255 Ser Lys Phe Arg Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Gly Thr Gln Val Leu Glu 260 265 270 Leu Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys 275 280 285 Leu Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Gln Glu Leu Thr Pro Glu Val 290 295 300 Leu Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Ala Asp Thr Leu Leu Val Val His 305 310 315 320 Met Pro Arg Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Ser Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Arg Leu 325 330 335 Gln Asp Met Gly Leu Glu Asp Leu Phe Ile Pro Glu Lys Ala Lys Leu 340 345 350 Pro Gly Ile Val Ala Glu Gly Arg Asp Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala 355 360 365 Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala 370 375 380 Ala Ser Thr Ala Ile Gly Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro Ala Arg 385 390 395 400 Val Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Leu Ile Arg Glu Val 405 410 415 Ala Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys 420 425 430 15 1260 DNA Rattus norvegicus 15 atgtgcattt accgctcccc tgcgaagaag gccacggagg aggatgtcct agagcagaag 60 gttccggaag ccaccaaccg gcgggtctgg gaactgtcca aggccaattc tcgatttgcc 120 actaacttct atcagcacct ggcagactcc aagaacgaca acgacaacat tttcctgtca 180 cccttgagca tctccacggc gtttgctatg accaagctgg gtgcttgtaa taacaccctc 240 aagcagctga tggaggtttt taaatttgat accatctccg agaagacatc cgaccagatc 300 cacttcttct ttgccaaact gaactgccga ctctatcgaa aagccaacaa gtcctctaac 360 ttggtgtcag ccaaccgcct ttttggagac aaatccctta ccttcaatga gagctatcaa 420 gacgttagtg agattgtcta tggagccaag cttcagcccc tggacttcaa ggagaatccg 480 gagcaatcca gagtgaccat caacaactgg gtagctaata agactgaagg ccgcatcaaa 540 gacgagaatc cggagcaatc cagagtgacc atcaacaact gggtagctaa taagactgaa 600 ggccgcatca aagacgtcat cccccaagga gccattgatg agctcactgc cctggtgctg 660 gttaacacca tttacttcaa gggcctgtgg aagtcaaagt tcagccctga gaacacaagg 720 aaggaaccat tccacaaagt tgatgggcag tcatgcctgg tgcccatgat gtaccaggaa 780 ggcaaattca aatacaggcg tgtgggagag ggtacccagg tgctagagat gcccttcaag 840 ggggacgaca tcaccatggt gctcatcctg cccaagcctg agaagagcct ggctaaggtg 900 gagcaggaac tcaccccgga gctgctgcag gagtggctgg atgagctgtc ggaggtcatg 960 cttgtggtcc acgtgccccg cttccgcatc gaggacagct tcagtctgaa ggagcagctg 1020 caagacatgg gccttgttga tctcttcagc cctgagaagt cccaactccc agcgtttctt 1080 gaggtaaatg aggaaggcag tgaagcagca gcgagtactt ctgtcgtgat tactggccgg 1140 tcactgaacc ccagtagggt gaccttcaag gccaacaggc ccttcctggt tcttataagg 1200 gaagtcgcac tgaacactat tatattcatg gggagagtgt ctaatccttg tgtgaactaa 1260 16 419 PRT Rattus norvegicus 16 Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Pro Ala Lys Lys Ala Thr Glu Glu Asp Val 1 5 10 15 Leu Glu Gln Lys Val Pro Glu Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg Val Trp Glu Leu 20 25 30 Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser Arg Phe Ala Thr Asn Phe Tyr Gln His Leu Ala 35 40 45 Asp Ser Lys Asn Asp Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser Pro Leu Ser Ile 50 55 60 Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys Asn Asn Thr Leu 65 70 75 80 Lys Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile Ser Glu Lys Thr 85 90 95 Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn Cys Arg Leu Tyr 100 105 110 Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Asn Leu Val Ser Ala Asn Arg Leu Phe 115 120 125 Gly Asp Lys Ser Leu Thr Phe Asn Glu Ser Tyr Gln Asp Val Ser Glu 130 135 140 Ile Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe Lys Glu Asn Pro 145 150 155 160 Glu Gln Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Asn Asn Trp Val Ala Asn Lys Thr Glu 165 170 175 Gly Arg Ile Lys Asp Glu Asn Pro Glu Gln Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Asn 180 185 190 Asn Trp Val Ala Asn Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Lys Asp Val Ile Pro 195 200 205 Gln Gly Ala Ile Asp Glu Leu Thr Ala Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile 210 215 220 Tyr Phe Lys Gly Leu Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Arg 225 230 235 240 Lys Glu Pro Phe His Lys Val Asp Gly Gln Ser Cys Leu Val Pro Met 245 250 255 Met Tyr Gln Glu Gly Lys Phe Lys Tyr Arg Arg Val Gly Glu Gly Thr 260 265 270 Gln Val Leu Glu Met Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu 275 280 285 Ile Leu Pro Lys Pro Glu Lys Ser Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Gln Glu Leu 290 295 300 Thr Pro Glu Leu Leu Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Ser Glu Val Met 305 310 315 320 Leu Val Val His Val Pro Arg Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Ser Phe Ser Leu 325 330 335 Lys Glu Gln Leu Gln Asp Met Gly Leu Val Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu 340 345 350 Lys Ser Gln Leu Pro Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu 355 360 365 Ala Ala Ala Ser Thr Ser Val Val Ile Thr Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Pro 370 375 380 Ser Arg Val Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Leu Ile Arg 385 390 395 400 Glu Val Ala Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ser Asn Pro 405 410 415 Cys Val Asn 17 1272 DNA Gallus gallus 17 cgggacatcc cagtgaaccc catctgcatc taccgcaacc ctgagaagaa gccccaggaa 60 aggcgaggtg ctggagccgg ggaagggcag gatcccggag ttcacaaacc cccggtctgg 120 gagctgtcca gggccaactc gcgtttcgcc gtcgtcttct acaagcacct ggccgactcc 180 aaggacaatg aggagaacat cttcctgtcg cccctcagca tttccacagc ctttgccatg 240 accaagctcg gggcgtgtgg tgacaccctg cagcagctca tggaggtctt ccagtttgac 300 actatttcag agaagacatc tgaccaggtc cacttcttct tcgccaagct caactgccgt 360 ctttacaaga aagccaacaa gtcatcagag ctaatatcag caaaccgtct ctttggagag 420 aaatccttgg tcttcaatga gacttaccag aacattagtg aaatagttta tggagccaaa 480 ctctggccgt tgaacttcaa agagaagcca gagctttcca ggaagatcat aaacgagtgg 540 gtagccaata agacggagag gcgcattaca gaagtgatcc cagaaaaagg tatcgatgat 600 ctcactgtct tggtcctggt caacaccatt tattttaagg ggcactggaa gtcgcagttc 660 ccagctccaa acacgagact ggatttattt cacaaagcca acggtgagac ctgcaatgtc 720 cccatcatgt accaggagtc caggttcccg tacgcgttca tccaggagga caaagtccag 780 gtgctggagc tgccttacaa aggggacgac atcaccatgg tgctggtcct gcccaaagct 840 ggcacaccgt tggtggaggt ggagcgagac ctgacgtcgg acaagctgca agactggatc 900 gactctatga tggaggtctc ccttactgtc tccttccccc gcttccgtgt cgaggacagc 960 ttcagtgtca aggagaagct gagaaaaatg gggctggaag atctcttcag tccagaaaat 1020 gccaagctgc caggtatagt tgcaggggac cgcacagacc tgtatgtatc tgaggctttc 1080 cacaaagcct tccttgaggt gaatgaagaa ggcagtgagg cgtcagcagc aacagctgtt 1140 gttatctctg gccgttcctt ccccatgaac agaattatct ttgaagccaa caggcccttc 1200 ttgctcttca tccgggaagc caccctcaac accattatat tcatgggcag aatatctgat 1260 ccttgctctt aa 1272 18 423 PRT Gallus gallus 18 Arg Asp Ile Pro Val Asn Pro Ile Cys Ile Tyr Arg Asn Pro Glu Lys 1 5 10 15 Lys Pro Gln Glu Arg Arg Gly Ala Gly Ala Gly Glu Gly Gln Asp Pro 20 25 30 Gly Val His Lys Pro Pro Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Arg Ala Asn Ser Arg 35 40 45 Phe Ala Val Val Phe Tyr Lys His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asp Asn Glu 50 55 60 Glu Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met 65 70 75 80 Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys Gly Asp Thr Leu Gln Gln Leu Met Glu Val 85 90 95 Phe Gln Phe Asp Thr Ile Ser Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Val His Phe 100 105 110 Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn Cys Arg Leu Tyr Lys Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser 115 120 125 Ser Glu Leu Ile Ser Ala Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Glu Lys Ser Leu Val 130 135 140 Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln Asn Ile Ser Glu Ile Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys 145 150 155 160 Leu Trp Pro Leu Asn Phe Lys Glu Lys Pro Glu Leu Ser Arg Lys Ile 165 170 175 Ile Asn Glu Trp Val Ala Asn Lys Thr Glu Arg Arg Ile Thr Glu Val 180 185 190 Ile Pro Glu Lys Gly Ile Asp Asp Leu Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn 195 200 205 Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly His Trp Lys Ser Gln Phe Pro Ala Pro Asn 210 215 220 Thr Arg Leu Asp Leu Phe His Lys Ala Asn Gly Glu Thr Cys Asn Val 225 230 235 240 Pro Ile Met Tyr Gln Glu Ser Arg Phe Pro Tyr Ala Phe Ile Gln Glu 245 250 255 Asp Lys Val Gln Val Leu Glu Leu Pro Tyr Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr 260 265 270 Met Val Leu Val Leu Pro Lys Ala Gly Thr Pro Leu Val Glu Val Glu 275 280 285 Arg Asp Leu Thr Ser Asp Lys Leu Gln Asp Trp Ile Asp Ser Met Met 290 295 300 Glu Val Ser Leu Thr Val Ser Phe Pro Arg Phe Arg Val Glu Asp Ser 305 310 315 320 Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Lys Leu Arg Lys Met Gly Leu Glu Asp Leu Phe 325 330 335 Ser Pro Glu Asn Ala Lys Leu Pro Gly Ile Val Ala Gly Asp Arg Thr 340 345 350 Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Glu Ala Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn 355 360 365 Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ser Ala Ala Thr Ala Val Val Ile Ser Gly 370 375 380 Arg Ser Phe Pro Met Asn Arg Ile Ile Phe Glu Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe 385 390 395 400 Leu Leu Phe Ile Arg Glu Ala Thr Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly 405 410 415 Arg Ile Ser Asp Pro Cys Ser 420 19 1371 DNA Xenopus laevis 19 atgtatctgc tttcattgtt gcttctcagc ctcttgggct cagcatacct ccagccacag 60 catgctgaca tatgcctggc aaaacctaaa gatatacctc tgactcccat gtgtgtctac 120 cggaaacctc tggaggtggt tgaaaccgag gaaaaggaga aagaacctac aacgcaagaa 180 cagaaggttc ctgagtccac taaccctcgt gtatatgagc tctcccaggc caatgctaaa 240 tttgcaattg ctttctataa aaatctcgct gactccaagc gtgacaaaga aaatatcttt 300 atgtcacccc tgagcatctc tcaagccttt acaatggcaa aactgggtgc ctgcaataac 360 acactgaagc aacttatgga ggtattccac tttgacacag tttcagagcg ggcttctgat 420 caaatacact acttctttgc aaagctcaac tgccgcctgt tcagaaaagc aaacaagtca 480 tccgaactgg tatctgtcaa tcgccttttt ggtgagaagt ctctgacctt taatgaaacc 540 tatcaagata tcagtgagat agtgtatggg gctaaattgt ggcccttaaa ctttagggat 600 aagcctgaac tatcccgtga aataattaat aattgggtat ccaataaaac agagaagcga 660 ataactgatg tgatccctaa ggacgccatc actcctgaca cagtattggt gctgataaat 720 gccatctact tcaagggact ttggaaatcc aagtttaatt cagaaaatac gaaaatggac 780 caattccacc cagctaaaaa ttccaactgc ttgactgcaa ccatgtatca agagggtaca 840 ttccgttatg gttcctttaa agatgatgga gttcaggtcc ttgagctgcc ttataaaggt 900 gatgacatta caatggtgct ggtgctacct tcgcaagaga ctccgctaac aacagtggag 960 cagaacctga cactggaaaa gcttgggaat tggctccaga agtctcgaga attacagtta 1020 tctgtttatc tccctcgatt ccgggtggaa gattccttca gtgttaagga gaaattacag 1080 gaaatgggat tggtagacct gtttgatcca aactcagcaa agcttccagg aatcattgca 1140 ggaggaagga cagacttgta tgtgtccgat gctttccata aggcattttt agaggtcaac 1200 gaggagggta gtgaggcagc cgcatccact gccgtgattt tgacaggacg ttctttgaac 1260 ctgaaccgga tcatattcag agccaatagg cccttcctgg tctttatccg agaagttgct 1320 ataaatgcta ttttgttcat ggggagagta gctaacccct gcactgaata g 1371 20 456 PRT Xenopus laevis 20 Met Tyr Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Leu Leu Ser Leu Leu Gly Ser Ala Tyr 1 5 10 15 Leu Gln Pro Gln His Ala Asp Ile Cys Leu Ala Lys Pro Lys Asp Ile 20 25 30 Pro Leu Thr Pro Met Cys Val Tyr Arg Lys Pro Leu Glu Val Val Glu 35 40 45 Thr Glu Glu Lys Glu Lys Glu Pro Thr Thr Gln Glu Gln Lys Val Pro 50 55 60 Glu Ser Thr Asn Pro Arg Val Tyr Glu Leu Ser Gln Ala Asn Ala Lys 65 70 75 80 Phe Ala Ile Ala Phe Tyr Lys Asn Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Arg Asp Lys 85 90 95 Glu Asn Ile Phe Met Ser Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Gln Ala Phe Thr Met 100 105 110 Ala Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys Asn Asn Thr Leu Lys Gln Leu Met Glu Val 115 120 125 Phe His Phe Asp Thr Val Ser Glu Arg Ala Ser Asp Gln Ile His Tyr 130 135 140 Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn Cys Arg Leu Phe Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser 145 150 155 160 Ser Glu Leu Val Ser Val Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Glu Lys Ser Leu Thr 165 170 175 Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln Asp Ile Ser Glu Ile Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys 180 185 190 Leu Trp Pro Leu Asn Phe Arg Asp Lys Pro Glu Leu Ser Arg Glu Ile 195 200 205 Ile Asn Asn Trp Val Ser Asn Lys Thr Glu Lys Arg Ile Thr Asp Val 210 215 220 Ile Pro Lys Asp Ala Ile Thr Pro Asp Thr Val Leu Val Leu Ile Asn 225 230 235 240 Ala Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly Leu Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Asn Ser Glu Asn 245 250 255 Thr Lys Met Asp Gln Phe His Pro Ala Lys Asn Ser Asn Cys Leu Thr 260 265 270 Ala Thr Met Tyr Gln Glu Gly Thr Phe Arg Tyr Gly Ser Phe Lys Asp 275 280 285 Asp Gly Val Gln Val Leu Glu Leu Pro Tyr Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr 290 295 300 Met Val Leu Val Leu Pro Ser Gln Glu Thr Pro Leu Thr Thr Val Glu 305 310 315 320 Gln Asn Leu Thr Leu Glu Lys Leu Gly Asn Trp Leu Gln Lys Ser Arg 325 330 335 Glu Leu Gln Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Pro Arg Phe Arg Val Glu Asp Ser 340 345 350 Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Lys Leu Gln Glu Met Gly Leu Val Asp Leu Phe 355 360 365 Asp Pro Asn Ser Ala Lys Leu Pro Gly Ile Ile Ala Gly Gly Arg Thr 370 375 380 Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn 385 390 395 400 Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala Ala Ser Thr Ala Val Ile Leu Thr Gly 405 410 415 Arg Ser Leu Asn Leu Asn Arg Ile Ile Phe Arg Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe 420 425 430 Leu Val Phe Ile Arg Glu Val Ala Ile Asn Ala Ile Leu Phe Met Gly 435 440 445 Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Thr Glu 450 455 21 433 PRT Bos Taurus 21 His Arg Ser Pro Val Glu Asp Val Cys Thr Ala Lys Pro Arg Asp Ile 1 5 10 15 Pro Val Asn Pro Met Cys Ile Tyr Arg Ser Ser Glu Lys Lys Ala Thr 20 25 30 Glu Gly Gln Gly Ser Glu Gln Lys Ile Pro Gly Ala Thr Asn Arg Arg 35 40 45 Val Trp Glu Leu Ser Lys Ala Asn Ser His Phe Ala Thr Ala Phe Tyr 50 55 60 Gln His Leu Ala Asp Ser Lys Asn Asn Asn Asp Asn Ile Phe Leu Ser 65 70 75 80 Pro Leu Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Phe Ala Met Thr Lys Leu Gly Ala Cys 85 90 95 Asn Asn Thr Leu Thr Gln Leu Met Glu Val Phe Lys Phe Asp Thr Ile 100 105 110 Ser Glu Lys Thr Ser Asp Gln Ile His Phe Phe Phe Ala Lys Leu Asn 115 120 125 Cys Arg Leu Tyr Arg Lys Ala Asn Lys Ser Ser Glu Leu Val Ser Ala 130 135 140 Asn Arg Leu Phe Gly Asp Lys Ser Ile Thr Phe Asn Glu Thr Tyr Gln 145 150 155 160 Asp Ile Ser Glu Val Val Tyr Gly Ala Lys Leu Gln Pro Leu Asp Phe 165 170 175 Lys Gly Asn Ala Glu Gln Ser Arg Leu Thr Ile Asn Gln Trp Ile Ser 180 185 190 Asn Lys Thr Glu Gly Arg Ile Thr Asp Val Ile Pro Pro Gln Ala Ile 195 200 205 Asn Glu Phe Thr Val Leu Val Leu Val Asn Thr Ile Tyr Phe Lys Gly 210 215 220 Leu Trp Lys Ser Lys Phe Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Arg Lys Glu Leu Phe 225 230 235 240 Tyr Lys Ala Asp Gly Glu Ser Cys Ser Val Leu Met Met Tyr Gln Glu 245 250 255 Ser Lys Phe Arg Tyr Arg Arg Val Ala Glu Ser Thr Gln Val Leu Glu 260 265 270 Leu Pro Phe Lys Gly Asp Asp Ile Thr Met Val Leu Ile Leu Pro Lys 275 280 285 Leu Glu Lys Thr Leu Ala Lys Val Glu Gln Glu Leu Thr Pro Asp Met 290 295 300 Leu Gln Glu Trp Leu Asp Glu Leu Thr Glu Thr Leu Leu Val Val His 305 310 315 320 Met Pro Arg Phe Arg Ile Glu Asp Ser Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Gln Leu 325 330 335 Gln Asp Met Gly Leu Glu Asp Leu Phe Ser Pro Glu Lys Ser Arg Leu 340 345 350 Pro Gly Ile Val Ala Glu Gly Arg Ser Asp Leu Tyr Val Ser Asp Ala 355 360 365 Phe His Lys Ala Phe Leu Glu Val Asn Glu Glu Gly Ser Glu Ala Ala 370 375 380 Ala Ser Thr Val Ile Ser Ile Ala Gly Arg Ser Leu Asn Ser Asp Arg 385 390 395 400 Val Thr Phe Lys Ala Asn Arg Pro Phe Leu Val Leu Ile Arg Glu Val 405 410 415 Ala Leu Asn Thr Ile Ile Phe Met Gly Arg Val Ala Asn Pro Cys Val 420 425 430 Asp 22 6 PRT Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence Illustrative peptide 22 Ser Glu Ala Ala Ala Ser 1 5 

We claim:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of antithrombin III (ATIII) having a molecular weight in the range of 60-550 kD and an ability to reduce the load in virally infected cells.
 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the ATIII has been heat treated and modified by an oligosugar.
 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the heat treatment is at least 60° C. or more for at least 30 minutes.
 4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is a monosaccharide.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is a polysaccharide.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is a low molecular weight heparin
 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is a high molecular weight heparin.
 8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is pectin.
 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is an amino glycoside.
 10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2 wherein the oligosugar is derivatized with biotin.
 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, which is an ATIII multimer.
 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, which is modified by a sulfated molecule.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the retroviral infection is a Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infection.
 14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the retroviral infection is a Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection.
 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the retroviral infection is a Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the retroviral infection is a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the retroviral infection is a corona virus infection.
 18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the high molecular weight ATIII is a dimer.
 19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, which is in a controlled release formulation.
 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, wherein the controlled release formulation includes a biodegradable polymer.
 21. A method of treating HIV infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 22. A method of claim 19, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in the range of 10-250 mgs per unit dose.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered to the patient 16 to 17 times per day.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the administration occurs once a week.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the administration occurs at least two times per week.
 26. The method of claim 21 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 is used in combination with another anti-viral drug.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the other anti-viral drug is a Highly Active Antiretroviral Drug Therapy (HAART) agent.
 28. A method of treating Hepatitis A viral infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to a subject with Hepatitis A viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 30. A method of treating Hepatitis B viral infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to a subject with Hepatitis B viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 is used in combination with an interferon or interferon derived drug.
 33. A method of treating Hepatitis C viral infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to a subject with Hepatitis C viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 35. The method of claim 33 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 is used in combination with an interferon or interferon derived drug.
 36. A method of treating HIV-1 infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 16. 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 16 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein the anti-viral drug is a Highly Active Antiretroviral Drug Therapy (HAART) agent.
 39. A method of treating Hepatitis A viral infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 16. 40. The method of claim 39 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 16 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 41. A method of treating Hepatitis B viral infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 16. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 16 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 43. The method of claim 42 wherein the anti-viral drug is an interferon or interferon derived drug.
 44. A method of treating Hepatitis C viral infection in a subject, comprising the step of: administering to a subject with Hepatitis C viral infection a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 16. 45. The method of claim 44 wherein the pharmaceutical composition of claim 16 is used in combination with an anti-viral drug.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the anti-viral drug is an interferon or interferon derived drug.
 47. A kit, comprising in one or more containers and the pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 48. A kit, comprising in one or more containers and the pharmaceutical composition of claim
 16. 49. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and ATIII having a molecular weight in the range of 60-550 kD in an effective amount to treat a subject with a disease or condition that is caused by or contributed to by thrombin activation.
 50. A pharmaceutical composition of claim 49, wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: sepsis, trauma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, thrombosis, stroke, restenosis, reocclusion and restenosis in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; thrombosis associated with surgery, ischemia/reperfusion injury; and coagulation abnormalities in cancer or surgical patients, an antithrombin III deficiency, venous or arterial thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, microangiopathic hemolytic anemias and veno-occlusive disease (VOD).
 51. A method of treating a disease or condition which is caused by or contributed to by thrombin activation in a subject comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 49. 